December 18

”Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."                       (Luke 9:49-50 NIV)

Today's scripture says that if you are not actively against something you are for it. There is a scripture verse that seems to say the exact opposite of today's scripture. That is when Jesus in Matthew 12:30 says, "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." Here Jesus says that anyone who is not actively for Him is His opponent and is a destructive and scattering force. If one is not actively for, then one is against.

The difference between the two biblical words is in whom the word refers to in the Bible. In one case the Bible word refers to Jesus himself and in the second to His disciples. In front of Jesus, every human must take an active position. If you have not taken an active position for Jesus, you are automatically against.

As for us disciples, however, it is not quite so important if people take a stand for or against us. We should not try to prevent others, even if their actions differ from ours, if they do not follow Jesus in the same way as us. We cannot expect the support of all, but in front of Jesus, every human being must himself, decide to say yes to Him, or you will be against Him.

Prayer

Lord, help me today to say yes to You. Help me to actively join with You, so that I'm not joined with and dispel those You once called.